Seasonal blessings abound at PRIME

As we pause for a much-needed seasonal break, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of PRIME's readers a sincere "Happy Holidays." Whether you're gathering together with your friends and family to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice, we're here to help with our annual Holiday Happenings feature, which starts on page 5. From a festival of lights to a frosty First Night, we have all the details you need to attend an abundance of events. Although it's certainly the season of gift-giving, the cost-free moments of joy we share with loved ones are priceless treasures. These may be the best gifts of all during the holiday season. We extend our warmest wishes to the loyal readers of this publication. Reflecting back on 2011, it's been another season of blessings here at the magazine. We recently learned that PRIME earned four awards this year, including two nods each from the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) and the Mature Market Media Awards (MMMA). Separate panels of judges voted our feature stories and other editorial content for a combination of first- second- and third-place prizes. The honor of these awards goes to entire magazine staff. They are a credit to the tireless efforts of everyone here at Reminder Publications. PRIME also celebrates the work of a new technology columnist this month with Connecticut resident Gary M. Kaye. He's covered technology topics for more than 30 years. Kaye additionally writes and does radio pieces for AARP. He's also senior writer for Tech Toys Magazine. In addition, he runs a consulting business helping hi-tech companies with strategic communications. Hopefully, our readers will relate to his column on page 11 about keeping gadgets charged despite losing power during a recent snowstorm this fall. Also this month, guest columnist Jane D. O'Donoghue reflects on the nostalgia of Christmases past in her guest column on page 8. It's sure to bring back memories of your own childhood, and perhaps make you realize just how good you had it, even when simply browsing the aisles of your local store. Finally, a big "thank-you" goes out to Salem Cross Inn restaurant and tavern for supplying us with the cover image you see on the front of this month's magazine. The beautiful scene of a horse-drawn carriage traversing a snowy winter landscape is one of many holiday images from West Brookfield. Salem Cross is offering Christmas Memories events with traditional carols, performance of a play inspired by the works of Dylan Thomas, and meals of New England turkey dinners. These events take place weekends from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18, with two shows on Sundays. Advance tickets only. To order, or to learn more about their fireplace feasts and simple Sunday suppers, please call (508) 867-2345 or visit the Web site: www.salemcrossinn.com. Peace to all and Happy Holidays, Mike Briotta PRIME Editor mikeb@thereminder.com